Can Real Estate Investors Use Craig’s List to Find Sellers?

Craig’s List is a valuable resource for anyone trying to reach massive numbers of people. Can real estate investors use Craig’s List to find sellers?

Yes.

Craig’s List and similar sites are prime resources for seeking prospects. For one reason, your goal is to do more with less money in less time, right? Why make more work for yourself? With Craig’s List research is easy.

Click on Craig’s List in the area you’re interested in and you’ll notice the ads of potential sellers. Most will also include email addresses or phone numbers. Call the sellers and ask for information. While you have them on the phone, remember to get the address of the property they’re selling. If they’ve published a cell number, text them!

If you’re new at the game, you might be unsure of what to say when you have a live voice on the phone. How about this: Hello, my name is ______ I BUY HOUSES. That’s it. And always remember to leave your contact information with them!

Can You Post Your Own Ads?

If you’ve never posted an ad on Craig’s List, don’t stress. It’s really easy. Be short and sweet. “WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH” or something like that works. Be sure to include your contact info. A Phone number is best for quick and easy communication.

If the seller calls and you don’t answer, don’t expect to sit at the end of the day and jot down a list of phone numbers. Sellers don’t always leave messages. If you’re not always available to answer your phone, forward the calls to a LIVE call center with a friendly person who can take down the caller’s info so you don’t lose the deal. The center will forward your messages. Some type the text into an email at the end of the day.

Does this seem tedious? Do you think it sounds like a lot of work? It used to be hard a decade or so ago. Technology has made things a little easier. Still, becoming a successful real estate investor is not a walk around the park. In the beginning it’s time consuming, but if you set up a system you’ll be ready to go in no time.

Here’s an idea: If you work a day job, or are building your investment career so well you need help, hire a virtual assistant. A virtual assistant (VA) is a professional who works from a remote location providing services for a variety of clients. They either charge by the hour or by the project. Some work as independent contractors.

Anyway you look at your probability for success Craig’s List will be a valuable asset. Get to know it, create a system, and get the help you need to make things happen.

Peter is a co-creator of The Flipping Formula. He also founded CityLight Homes, a premier real estate investing firm in New England. He is an internationally recognized real estate investing expert, appearing on national news outlets such as CNBC, CNN, and CBS. Together with his business partner Dave Seymour, Peter starred in A&E's hit reality TV show Flipping Boston.